“I’d like that.”
Chapter 18
Alek
It’s been one month since Rose's fall and subsequent surgery. Her four week follow-up appointment shows she is progressing well, and that the shoulder fracture is almost completely healed. She no longer needs to wear the sling, and she has traded her traditional arm cast to a softer, though rigid version.
The doctor has allowed her to return to work on limited duty, which means I too am spending time at the flower shop. Of course, unbeknownst to Rose, my role is twofold. Not only do I do the heavy lifting, I’m able to make sure her ex-husband doesn’t show up to harass her. He's left her alone since the day he stopped by the house, but I still don’t trust the guy not to show up and start trouble.
I’m helping put away their weekly delivery when my phone rings. Fishing it out of my pocket, I see Vince's name on the display.
“Take it,” Rose says from beside me. “I promise I won’t lift a finger.”
I lean over and kiss her cheek and she smiles, “I won’t be long.”
“Tell Vince I said hi,” she calls as I walk toward the door.
I answer the call as I step out the back door. “Vince, what’s up?”
“Just checking in on my favorite client. How’s everything going? How’s Rose doing?”
I’ve spoken with Vince at least once a week since I left the tour, and kept him up to date on her recovery. And yet it still impresses me that he asks about her each time.
“She’s good, almost a hundred percent. I’m helping her out at the flower shop today.”
He chuckles through the phone, “Domesticated and doing manual labor. Who would have ever believed it?”
“Laugh all you want, I’m enjoying every minute.”
“I know you are, and I’m really happy for you.”
Over the years Vince has become more of a friend than a manager, so I can recognize the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks Vince. And thanks for not pushing to reschedule the missed dates, even though I know we need to. I haven’t brought it up to Rose yet, but I will this week.”
“Just let me know when you are thinking.”
“Will do. There’s one more thing I want to run by you.”
“Okay, what’s up?”
“I’ve been working on some new pieces, and I was wondering if you could get me some studio time?”
Vince is quiet for a beat, most likely shocked at my admission. “New pieces as in original compositions?”
I smile at his question, “Yeah, I seem to have found my inspiration in the past few months.”
“I’d say. It’s been nearly two years since you’ve written an original piece.”
“Yeah, guess I just needed to find my muse.”
“Yes you did. I’ll see what’s available as far as studio time and get back with you.”
“Sounds good, thanks Vince.”
“My pleasure. Say hi to Rose for me.”
“Will do. Talk to you later.”
I end the call, slide my phone back in my pocket and head back inside. Rose looks up as I come through the door.
“How’s Vince?”
“He’s good. He was happy to hear you're doing so well, said to tell you hi.”
“That was sweet of him.” She glances up from the arrangement she’s creating, “Does he have anything scheduled for you?”
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, before kissing her temple. “Why are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No, but I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit to reschedule the shows you missed.”
I turn her in my arms and tilt her chin up so I can look in her eyes, “Yes, I do need to reschedule those dates, but Vince works for me and I get to decide when they get rescheduled. And that’s not going to be until you are either one hundred percent or can come with me. Okay?”
She smiles softly at me, “Okay.” She wraps her arms around my waist drawing us closer together. “Just out of curiosity, where are these shows that need to be rescheduled?”
I fight to hide my smile, loving the idea of her going with me. “Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington.”
“I’ve never been to the west coast, it might be nice to visit before I jump back into work head first.”
“Are you sure? I know you’ve been anxious to get back to work.”
She gives a little shrug, “Only because that’s what I’m obligated to do. The girls have done an excellent job at handling things while I recovered so I’m sure they can handle it a while longer.”
Her casualness at leaving the business in the hands of her employees surprises me a little. I tighten my arms around her, “Tell you what, I’ll have Vince feel out the venues and see what dates they have available and then after your final doctor appointment, we’ll get everything finalized.”
“I like that plan,” she says with a smile. “Of course, I like any plan where I’m with you.”
My lips softly brush across hers, “Me too.”
The next week, during Vince’s check-in call, I give him the go ahead to schedule the shows I had to cancel.
“Do you want me to schedule as usual?”
In the past, I’ve travelled alone, driving from city to city staying a few days before moving on to the next show. This time I have Rose to consider, and while she’s already said she trusts her employee implicitly, I don’t want to keep her away from her home or business too long.
“See what you can block together. Rose is just getting back to work, and I’d rather not keep her away more than two weeks at a time.”
“Got it. Now about that studio time you wanted.”
I take a seat at the dining room table, “What did you find out?”
“I know you normally use a studio in New York, but I did find a couple that are closer to Charleston, if you’re interested.”
“Yes, that would be great.” I grab a notepad and pen off the counter and write down the names of the studios so I
